Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Barnett getting master class from Peters
PHILADELPHIA » Every time he tried to make a move at training camp Tuesday, Derek Barnett ran into a pro football legend. The way he figured it, he might as well run into Jason Peters after some plays, too.
“I’m learning a lot going against him,” said Barnett, the first-round rookie defensive end from Tennessee. “Every rep I go against him. I can’t take a play off. So he’s pushing me every day to get better. And I’ve got to make sure my rushes are the same and keep my pressure on him.”
Peters is 35, a nine-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle with a growing Hall of Fame resume. Barnett, 21, has been in training camp for just over a week.
“He’s really good with his technique, wherever I play,” Barnett said. “So I have to make sure I am on my game, too. It’s a good feeling going against one of the best. That’s going to help me get ready for the season, to get ready for game days. I’m going to go up against a lot of good tackles this year. But I think I am going up against one of the best right here.”
So Barnett learns from every play against Peters … and from every conversation he has with him later.
“He’s been helping me after practice,” Barnett said. “Every chance I get to talk to him, I do. I get in his ear. I try to ask him, ‘When should I do this? When should I not? Am I giving away any tricks?’
“Any chance I get to talk to him, I will. He’s seen a lot of rushes from a lot of defensive ends. So he knows what he is talking about.”
••• While Barnett consults an Eagles offensive teammate for tips, Carson Wentz makes certain to work the defensive corners of the locker room, soliciting football advice.
“They talk to me, I talk to them about, ‘What was that coverage? What was that look?’” Wentz said. “We all want our offense to be at a high level. So, are we giving any indicators? So keeping that constant communication so that we all can be better is a big part of this team.”
••• A Channel 6 report showed a couple from North Dakota literally being moved to tears at the opportunity to see Wentz perform at training camp.
“I did see that,” said Wentz. “It is really cool just to know I have that support. Obviously, the fan support here is unbelievable. But knowing that the fan support extends back home — the same fans I had since I was a little kid and then in college at North Dakota State — and seeing how much passion they have and how much they follow me, it is definitely humbling to recognize that I would have that influence.”
Wentz doesn’t understand where that passion begins.
“I really don’t,” he said. “I just tell everyone that I am just a normal dude who has been blessed to play this game. I think it’s cool. From North Dakota, there are not a lot of big things that come out of there nationally. So there is a lot of pride, a lot of North Dakota pride that comes with it. So it’s just great.”
••• Projected offensive pillars LeGarrette Blount (personal reasons), Alshon Jeffery (shoulder) and Torrey Smith (back spasms) missed practice Tuesday. Doug Pederson was not alarmed.
“They’re OK,” the Birds’ coach said. “In Alshon’s case, we just wanted to give him a day. I’ve seen a lot from Alshon. Obviously, he has done a great job and this is a good way for us to get some of our younger players a chance to get some reps.”
Also scratched Tuesday were Nick Foles (elbow), rookie defensive tackle Elijah Qualls (groin), Donnel Pumphrey (hamstring), offensive lineman Josh Andrews (hand) and defensive end Alex McCalister.
Pumphrey is “day to day,” according to Pederson.
“He’s been helping me after practice. Every chance I get to talk to him, I do. I get in his ear. I try to ask him, ‘When should I do this? When should I not? Am I giving away any tricks?’ Any chance I get to talk to him, I will.”
••• Mychal Kendricks recently let it slip that he complained to management about his lack of playing opportunities.
Pederson: “Mychal is on our football team. We’re excited to have him. We understand, too, and he understands, that it’s predicated by a lot of offensive personnel. You watch our offense, we’re in a lot of that ‘11’ or ‘zebra’ personnel. There are only two linebackers on the field. It’s unfortunate. I’m excited to have Mychal. He’s working hard and he is in a good position right now.”